Demographic changes are creating
new demands on society. Of particular
relevance is the challenge
of dealing with the major health
conditions associated with aging and long-term
chronic conditions such as dementia. On a
global scale, an estimated 18 million people
are affected by dementia, a figure that is greater
than that associated with cardiovascular related
death. Published estimates suggest that persons
with dementia are approximately four times
more likely to require permanent, institutionalized
care than those without dementia. Presently,
it is estimated the global costs attributed
to the provision of such care amounts to approximately
$315.3 billion per year. Directly
associated with the rising numbers of persons
with dementia is the increased strain placed
upon caregivers, many of whom don’t have
the support required to provide the necessary
levels of care.